Kilopass develops embedded multi-time programmable non-volatile memory in 40nm logic CMOS

Kilopass Technology is a silicon IP vendor that offers non-volatile memory based on antifuse technology. The antifuse works by breaking down a silicon oxide barrier to set the state of memory bits in a 2-transistor cell; which, up until now, has been a one-time process. While limited in size and programmability compared to Flash memory, the Kilopass technology has the advantage of being implemented in a standard CMOS logic process. This lowers manufacturing cost for typical applications such as trimming of analog blocks, small amounts of code storage, and security ID. The Kilopass Gusto memory IP, which the company introduced in 2010, offers up to 4Mb (Megabits) of one-time programmable non-volatile memory.

With the new Itera development, Kilopass added multi-time programmability (MTP, up to 1024 cycles) for memories with up to 1Mb of storage capacity. The company is targeting applications in software protocol stacks for wireless applications such as WiFi and Bluetooth,  low frequency data logging, and in SoCs that require periodic software updates.

Itera’s pricing model has two components: a license fee for use of Itera in a design and a per wafer royalty. Itera can be used for applications from 32 bit to 1Mb,  and is available now at foundries including TSMC, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, and UMC in 40nm bulk silicon. Kilopass is planning to have Itera available in 65nm and 55nm processes for availability in the second half of 2011.